Methods and apparatus for calibrating for transconductance or gain over process or condition variations in differential circuits

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal and at least one differential circuit each being configured to operate at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. The calibration circuit may be configured to generate the reference signal independent of the at least one differential circuit. A method for operating at least one differential circuit is provided. The method includes generating a reference signal and operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated transconductance or gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. The reference signal may be generated independently of the at least one differential circuit.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to electronic circuits, and in particular, to apparatuses and methods for calibrating transconductance or gain of differential circuits.

2. Background

Differential logic families are gaining popularity in apparatuses and processors for wireless communication. Wireless apparatuses such as tablet computers and cell phones may adopt processors utilizing the differential logic circuits due to certain advantages. Examples of the differential logic families may include common-mode logic (CML) and low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) circuits (e.g., gates).

These differential circuits offer advantages of, for example, high speed data communication with limited voltage swings. These differential circuits may be suitable for applications such as Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) interfaces.

One design challenge for adopting the differential circuits is to operate these circuits over process or condition variations (such as variations in voltage and/or temperature; collectively PVT variations).

SUMMARY

Aspects of an apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal and at least one differential circuit each being configured to operate at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. The calibration circuit may be configured to generate the reference signal independent of the at least one differential circuit.

Aspects of a method for operating at least one differential circuit are provided. The method includes generating a reference signal and operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. The reference signal may be generated independently of the at least one differential circuit.

Aspects of another apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal and at least one differential circuit each being configured to operate at a calibrated gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal.

Aspects of another method for operating at least one differential circuit are provided. The method includes generating a reference signal and operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal.

It is understood that other aspects of apparatus and methods will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various aspects of apparatus and methods are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, these aspects may be implemented in other and different forms and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of differential circuits

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit that generates a reference signal for differential circuits.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operations of an exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operations of another exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

The term “apparatus” shall be construed to include any integrated circuit or system, or any portion of an integrated circuit or system. (e.g., components, circuits, or the like residing in an integrated circuit or part of a system). The term “apparatus” shall also be construed to include any intermediate product where an integrated circuit or system is combined with other integrated circuits or systems (e.g., a video card, a motherboard, etc.) or any end product (e.g., mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), desktop computer, laptop computer, palm-sized computer, tablet computer, work station, game console, media player, computer based simulators, or the like). The term “method” shall similarly be construed to include the operation of any integrated circuit or system, or any portion of an integrated circuit or system, or any intermediate product or end product, or any step, process, algorithm, or the like, or any combination thereof performed by such integrated circuit or system (or portion thereof), intermediate product, or end product.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiment” of an apparatus or method does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the described components, structure, features, functionality, processes, advantages, benefits, or modes of operation.

The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and can encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements can be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

Any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations are used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element. A reference to a signal may be referred to the underlying signal line (e.g., a metal line on an IC) carrying the signal. A reference to a resistor may likewise be used to refer to the resistance of said resistor.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Various aspects of apparatuses and methods for a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal for calibrating one or more differential circuits will be presented. An example of a differential circuit is a CML buffer incorporating a differential pair of transistors, which may be widely used in high-speed backplane applications such as data buffers, source-degenerated resistance-capacitance equalizers, and input buffers for decision-feedback equalizers. The output loading resistances of the CML buffer may be calibrated to be constant over PVT variations. However, the gain of the CML buffer may still vary because the transconductance of the differential pair may vary with the PVT variations. With the varying gain, the incoming signals may be amplified at an unpredictable gain. Extra design effort or trade-offs may be needed in order for the incoming signals to be processed properly for the next stage. Various aspects of apparatuses and methods will be presented to efficiently calibrate the performance of multiple CML buffers globally in terms of power, area, and circuit complexity.

As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the various aspects presented throughout this disclosure may not be limited thereto. For example, the features presented may be applicable to LVDS logic gates and the differential logic circuits in general. Moreover, the differential logic gates or circuits are not limited to buffer and/or SerDes applications. Accordingly, all references to a specific application for the presented apparatus or method are intended only to illustrate exemplary aspects of the apparatus or method with the understanding that such aspects may have a wide differential of applications.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of differential circuits. The differential circuits include, for example, a CML buffer 110 and a continuous time linear equalizers (CTLE) 120. The CML buffer 110 provides data to the CTLE 120. In the exemplary embodiment, the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 are examples of differential circuits, each of which incorporating a differential pair of transistors. In one example, the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 are suitable for SerDes applications.

The CML buffer 110 includes a differential pair of transistors 112, which includes N-type transistors MN1 and MN2. The differential pair of transistors 112 receives the differential input IN+ and IN−. A pull-down transistor MN3 generates a tail current I_(TAIL) based on the reference signal V_(REF). In the exemplary embodiment, the reference signal V_(REF) is a bias voltage controlling the tail current I_(TAIL). The tail current I_(TAIL) is discharged to VSS or ground. As is known in the art, a transconductance or g_(m), may be characterized as a current gain of the differential input IN+ and IN−. Each of the N-type transistors MN1 and MN2 drives a portion of the tail current I_(TAIL) based on the transconductance and the differential input IN+ and IN−. The CML buffer 110 includes load resistors R1 and R2 coupled to a power source VDD (e.g., voltage source VDD), and output voltages OUT110+ and OUT110− are generated based on the currents flowing through the N-type transistors MN1 and MN2 and the resistances of the resistors R1 and R2. A gain (e.g., voltage gain) of the CML buffer 110 may be a ratio of the output voltages OUT110+ and OUT110− and the differential input IN+ and IN−.

In this example, the CML buffer 110 drives the output voltages OUT110+ and OUT110− through traces 190 and 192 on a printed circuit board. The CTLE 120 receives the output voltages of the CML buffer 110 as the differential input IN120+ and IN120−. The CTLE 120 includes a differential pair of transistors 122, which includes N-type transistors MN4 and MN5, and load resistors R3 and R4 coupled to a power source VDD. The CTLE 120 generates tail currents I_(TAIL120a) and I_(TAIL120b) through N-type transistors MN6 and MN7, respectively, based on the reference signal V_(REF). The tail currents I_(TAIL120a) and I_(TAIL120b) are discharged to VSS or ground. The CTLE 120 further includes a capacitor C120 and a resistor R120 for providing a filter function. The CTLE 120 provides equalized outputs OUT120+ and OUT120− in accordance with the knowledge of persons or ordinary skill in the art. The CTLE 120 may have transconductance (or gm) and a voltage gain as described above.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit 200 that generates a reference signal for differential circuits (such as the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120). In the exemplary embodiment, the reference signal is the V_(REF) supplied to the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 (or other types of differential circuits). The calibration circuit 200 provides the means to generate the reference signal V_(REF) supplied to the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 without receiving any feedback from the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120. Thus, the calibration circuit 200 generates the reference signal V_(REF) independent of the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120. As an example, such feature allows the calibration circuit 200 to generate and to provide the reference signal V_(REF) to multiple differential circuits without the need to manage the multiple feedbacks. Moreover, the complexity of routing the multiple feedbacks is eliminated.

As described with FIG. 1, a differential circuit, such as the CML buffer 110 or the CTLE 120, provides means to operate at a calibrated transconductance or a calibrated gain based on the received reference signal V_(REF). For example, the reference signal V_(REF) controls the generation of a tail current in the CML buffer 110 or the CTLE 120, and therefore, the transconductance and the gain of the CML buffer 110 or the CTLE 120 may be controlled by or based on the reference signal V_(REF). By calibrating the reference signal V_(REF), the calibration circuit 200 may effect the CML buffer 110 or the CTLE 120 to operate at a calibrated transconductance or gain. Thus, the CML buffer 110 or the CTLE 120 may be configured to operate at the calibrated transconductance or gain based on the reference signal V_(REF). These features are described in more detail below.

The calibration circuit 200 includes an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) 210. The OTA 210 provides means to receive a feedback of the reference signal V_(REF), and the calibration circuit 200 generates the reference signal V_(REF) based on the received feedback of the reference signal V_(REF). The OTA 210 includes a differential pair of transistors MN21 and MN22 (both N-type transistors). A pull-down N-type transistor MN29 provides, in one example, means to receive the feedback of the reference signal V_(REF) and to generate a tail current I_(TAIL210) based the reference signal V_(REF). The tail current I_(TAIL210) flows through the differential pair of transistors MN21 and MN22 and is discharged to VSS or ground. The P-type transistors MP21 and MP22 coupled to a power source VDD (e.g., voltage source) provides the loading for the OTA 210.

The calibration circuit 200 further includes resistors R_(a) and R_(b) and a current source 212. The current source 212 provides a current I_(P), and a voltage V_(IN) is generated based on the current I_(P) and the resistance of the resistor R_(b). The resistor R_(b) provides means (e.g., circuit) to convert the current I_(P) to the voltage V_(IN). The current I_(P) is an example of a reference current utilized by the calibration circuit 200 in generating the reference signal V_(REF). The voltage V_(IN) is an example of a reference voltage utilized by the calibration circuit 200 in generating the reference signal V_(REF). The OTA 210 (e.g., the differential pair MN21 and MN22) receives the voltage V_(IN) and generates a current I₂₁ through the P-type transistor MP21 and the N-type transistor MN21 and a current I₂₂ through the P-type transistor MP22 and the N-type transistor MN22. The current I₂₁ and the current I₂₂ are outputs of the OTA 210 and are generated based on a transconductance of the OTA 210, which is based on the tail current I_(TAIL210) as is known in the art.

A voltage V₁ is generated based on the current I₂₁ and the current I₂₂ (and therefore, based on the outputs of the OTA 210) as presented below. The P-type transistors MP23 and MP21 form a current mirror, and therefore, the current I₃ flowing through the P-type transistor MP23 and the N-type transistor MN21 mirrors the current I₂₁. The N-type transistors MN23 and MN28 form a current mirror, and therefore, the current I₂₈ flowing through the MN28 mirrors or equals to the current I₃. The P-type transistors MP22 and MP22 form a current mirror, and therefore, the current I₂ flowing through the P-type transistor MP22 and the N-type transistor MN22 mirrors the current I₂₂. The current I₂ includes the current I₂₈ and the current I₂₄, which flows through the N-type transistor MN24. Thus, the current I₂₄ may be described as I₂-I₂₈, or I₂-I₃. The N-type transistors MN24 and MN26 form a current mirror, and therefore, the current I₁ flowing through the MN26 mirrors or equals to the current I₂₄. The voltage V₁ is determined based on the resistor Rc and the current I₁ (i.e., I₂-I₃ or I₂₂-I₂₁). Thus, the voltage V₁ is determined based on the OTA outputs I₂₂ and I₂₁.

A current source 214 generates a current I₀ flowing through the resistor Rd. The voltage V₀ is based on the current I₀ and the resistor Rd. The current source 212 provides a current I_(P), and a voltage V_(IN) is generated based on the current I_(P) and the resistance of the resistor R_(b). The current I₀ is an example of a reference current utilized by the calibration circuit 200 in generating the reference signal V_(REF). The voltage V₀ is an example of a reference voltage utilized by the calibration circuit 200 in generating the reference signal V_(REF). An operational amplifier 220 compares the voltages V₁ and V₀, and outputs the reference signal V_(REF) to differential circuits, such as the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120. The reference signal V_(REF) is fed back to the MN29 of the OTA 210 to control the current I_(TAIL210) (and therefore, the transconductance of the OTA 210).

As described above, the OTA 210 converts a small signal voltage drop V_(IN) into a current difference I₁ (i.e., I₂-I₃ or I₂₂-I₂₁). This current difference is converted to the voltage V₁ by a resistance (Rc). The voltage V₁ is compared to a reference voltage V₀ by the operational amplifier 220, which generates the reference signal V_(REF) based on the comparison. The reference signal V_(REF) is provided to the differential circuits (e.g., the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120) as a bias voltage to generate a tail current in each of the differential circuits. The reference signal V_(REF) feeds back to the OTA 210 as the bias voltage to generate the tail current I_(TAIL210). The feedback of the reference signal V_(REF) allows the calibration circuit 200 to calibrate the reference signal V_(REF) for PVT variations. The calibration circuit 200 may thereby control the differential circuits (e.g., the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120) to operate at a target transconductance or a target voltage gain, by adjusting the tail current thereof (e.g., by adjusting the reference signal V_(REF)). In one example, the transconductance of the differential circuits (e.g., the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120) may be made to mirror the transconductance of the OTA 210. In this fashion, the calibration circuit 200 calibrates the reference signal V_(REF) for the OTA 210 as well as the differential circuits receiving the reference signal V_(REF). These features are further demonstrated below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the current I_(P) may be generated from, for example, a bandgap voltage (V_(bg)) supply located off chip from the calibration circuit 200. This example is provided for demonstration only, and the scope of the present disclosure is certainly not limited thereto. As is known in the art, the bandgap voltage V_(bg) is constant over the PVT variations. In this example, the current I_(P) may be described as follows:

I _(P) =V _(bg) /R _(on-chip),

where the resistance R_(on-chip)is the on-chip portion of the resistance, including the resistor R_(b). Since the resistance of the resistor R_(b) is subject to the PVT variations, the current I_(P) likewise varies over the PVT variations. The resistor R_(b) may be provided as a ratio of the total resistance R_(on-chip) (e.g., a portion thereof). Thus, the resistance of the resistor R_(b) may be expressed as:

R _(b) =K _(b) ×R _(on-chip),

where the K_(b) is a constant (e.g., a ratio of R_(b) to R_(on-chip)).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may be expressed as I_(P)×R_(b) or as follows (substituting the expression for I_(P) and R_(b) shown above):

V _(IN) =K _(b) ×V _(bg).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may remain constant over the PVT variations. In this fashion, the calibration circuit 200 may keep the voltage V_(IN) constant over the PVT variations.

Moreover, a gain (e.g., voltage gain) of the OTA 210 may be expressed as:

gain=g _(MN) /g _(MP),

where the g_(MN) denotes the transconductance of the N-type transistors MN21 and MN22, and the g_(MP) denotes the transconductance of the P-type transistors MP21 and MP22. An output voltage V_(OUT) of the OTA 210 may be expressed as:

V _(OUT)=gain×V _(IN),

and the output current I_(OUT) of the OTA 210 may be expressed as:

I _(OUT) =g _(MP) ×V _(OUT), or its equivalent

I _(OUT) =g _(MP)×(g _(MN) /g _(MP) ×V _(IN)), or, finally,

I _(OUT) =g _(MN) ×K _(b) ×V _(bg) =I ₂ −I ₃ =I ₁.

The reference signal V_(REF) feeds back to the OTA 210 (MN29), and the OTA 210 is stabilized when voltages V₀ and V₁ are equal. Thus,

I ₁ ×R _(c) =I ₀ ×R _(d),

where R_(c) and R_(d) may be expressed as:

R _(c) =K _(c) ×R _(on-chip), and R _(d) =K _(d) ×R _(on-chip).

In other words, the resistors R_(c) and R_(d) may be expressed as portions of the total on-chip resistance R_(on-chip), and K_(c) and K_(d) are constants denoting the portions.

The current I₁ and the transconductance g_(MN) may this be expressed as:

I₁ =K _(d) /K _(c) ×I ₀, and

g_(MN)=(K _(d) /K _(c) ×I ₀)/(K_(b) ×V _(bg)).

In one exemplary embodiment, the calibration circuit 200 may utilize the current I₀ to generate a constant transconductance g_(MN) over the PVT variations. A constant current I₀ over the PVT variations may be generated as is known in the art. In one example, the constant current I₀ may be generated using the bandgap voltage V_(bg) and an off-chip resistance R_(off-chip) designed to be constant over the PVT variations. The resulting current I₀,

I ₀ =V _(bg) /R _(off-chip),

is likewise constant over the PVT variations. In one example, the ratio K_(d)/K_(c) may be set at ½. The current I₀ may be set at 50 uA. The value of K_(b)×V_(bg) may be set at 50 mV. In this example, the transconductance g_(MN) is 0.5 m and is a constant value over the PVT variations.

In one exemplary embodiment, the current I₀ may be generated to not be compensated for the PVT variations (e.g., the current I₀ varies over the PVT variations). The transconductance g_(MN)((K_(d)/K_(c)×I₀)/(K_(b)×V_(bg))) likewise varies over the PVT variations, since the resistance of R_(on-chip) varies over the PVT variations. In the exemplary embodiment, the calibration circuit 200 may utilize the reference signal V_(REF) to effect the differential circuits, such as the CML buffer 110, to operate at a target gain which is constant over the PVT variations. A gain of the CML buffer 110 (gain₁₁₀) may be described as follows:

gain₁₁₀ =g _(MN) ×R _(L),

where the load resistor R_(L) may be the resistors R₁ or R₂ of FIG. 1, and may be designed to be a portion of the resistance R_(on-chip). Accordingly, I_(P)×R_(L) may be a constant over PVT variations. The gain₁₁₀ may be further described as follows:

gain₁₁₀=(K _(d) /K _(c) ×I _(P) ×R _(L))/(K _(b) ×V _(bg)).

The value of R_(L) may be proportional to the resistance R_(on-chip). Since the value of I_(P) is based on R_(on-chip), the value of the I_(P)×R_(L) may thus be constant over the PVT variations. One aspect of the gain₁₁₀ thus provides that the gain is proportional to the current I_(P). As shown above, the target gain of the CML buffer 110, gain₁₁₀, may be calibrated to a constant over the PVT variations. In one example, the ratio of K_(b)/K_(c) may be set at ½. The value of I_(P)×R_(L) may be set at 200 mV. V_(IN) (e.g., K_(b)×V_(bg)) may be set at 50 mV. In this example, the gain₁₁₀ is 6 dB and is constant over the PVT variations.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart 300 of operations of an exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit 200. At 302, a reference signal is generated. At 304, at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. Referring to FIG. 1, the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 are examples of differential circuits each incorporating a differential pair of transistors (112 and 122, respectively). Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the calibration circuit 200 is an example of a circuit that generates a reference signal V_(REF), which may be provided to the differential circuits (e.g., the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120) to generate a tail current in each of the circuits. Each of the differential circuits operates at a calibrated and constant transconductance over the PVT variations based on the reference signal V_(REF). The calibration circuit 200 may generate the reference signal V_(REF) based on a first reference current I_(P) and a second reference current I₀. The reference signal V_(REF) may be fed back to the calibration circuit to continuously adjust the output. The calibration circuit 200, in generating the reference signal V_(REF), does not receive any feedback from and therefore, is independent from the operations of the differential circuits.

At 306, the reference signal is adjusted based on a feedback of the reference signal. The calibration circuit 200 may adjust the reference signal V_(REF) by operations of the OTA 210 based on the feedback of the reference signal. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the transistor MN29 of the OTA 210 receives a feedback of the reference signal V_(REF) and generates the tail current I_(TAIL210) flowing through the differential pair of transistors MN21 and MN22. The OTA 210 generates outputs I₂₁ and I₂₂ based on the transconductance of the OTA 210, which in turn is based on the aforementioned tail current I_(TAIL210).

In one example, the calibration circuit 200 may generate the reference signal V_(REF) based on a first reference current (e.g., I_(P)) and a second reference current (e.g., I₁). At, 308, a reference current may be converted to a reference voltage. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the calibration circuit 200 utilizes the resistor R_(b) to convert the current I_(P) (e.g., the reference current or the first reference current) to the voltage V_(IN) (e.g., the reference voltage), which is provided to the OTA 210 as an input voltage. At 310, an output may be generated by the OTA based on the reference voltage. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the OTA 210 generates the outputs I₂₁ and I₂₂ based on the voltage V_(IN).

At 312, the reference voltage may be kept constant over the process or condition variations. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the current source 212 provides a current I_(P), and a voltage V_(IN) is generated based on the current I_(P) and the resistance of the resistor R_(b). The current I_(P) may be generated from, for example, a bandgap voltage (V_(bg)) supply located off chip from the calibration circuit 200. This example is provided for demonstration only, and the scope of the present disclosure is certainly not limited thereto. As is known in the art, the bandgap voltage V_(bg) is constant over PVT variations. In this example, the current I_(P) may be described as follows:

I _(P) =V _(bg) /R _(on-chip),

where the resistance R_(on-chip) is the on-chip portion of the resistance, including the resistor R_(b). Since the resistance of the resistor R_(b) is subject to PVT variations, the current I_(P) likewise varies over the PVT variations. The resistor R_(b) may be provided as a ratio of the total resistance R_(on-chip) (e.g., a portion thereof). Thus, the resistance of the resistor R_(b) may be expressed as:

R _(b) =K _(b) ×R _(on-chip),

where the K_(b) is a constant (e.g., a ratio of R_(b) to R_(on-chip)).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may be expressed as I_(P)×R_(b) or as follows (substituting the expression for I_(P) and R_(b) shown above):

V _(IN) =K _(b) ×V _(bg).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may remain constant over the PVT variations.

At 314, a voltage based on the output of the OTA and a second reference voltage may be compared. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the operational amplifier 220 compares the voltage V₁ with the (second) reference voltage V₀ and generates as the output the reference signal V_(REF). The voltage V₁ is generated based on the current I₂₁ and the current I₂₂ (and therefore, based on the outputs of the OTA 210). In one example, the second reference voltage (e.g., voltage V₀) may be based on the second reference current (e.g., current I₀), which may be constant over the process or condition variations.

The process described in connections with flow chart 300 may be applied to a case where the at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated gain (e.g., step 304 provides that at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal). When applied to the operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated gain, the second reference current (e.g., current I₀) needs not be constant over the process or condition variations (314).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart 400 of operations of another exemplary embodiment of a calibration circuit 200. At 402, a reference signal is generated. At 404, at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal. Referring to FIG. 1, the CML buffer 110 and the CTLE 120 are examples of differential circuits each incorporating a differential pair of transistors (112 and 122, respectively). Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the calibration circuit 200 is an example of a circuit that generates a reference signal V_(REF), which may be provided to the differential circuits (e.g., the CML buffer 110 and/or the CTLE 120) to generate a tail current in each of the circuits. Each of the differential circuits operates at a calibrated and constant transconductance over the PVT variations based on the reference signal V_(REF). The calibration circuit 200 may generate the reference signal V_(REF) based on a first reference current I_(P) and a second reference current I₀. The reference signal V_(REF) may be fed back to the calibration circuit to continuously adjust the output. The calibration circuit 200, in generating the reference signal V_(REF), does not receive any feedback from and therefore, is independent from the operations of the differential circuits.

At 406, the reference signal is adjusted based on a feedback of the reference signal. The calibration circuit 200 may adjust the reference signal V_(REF) by operations of the OTA 210 based on the feedback of the reference signal. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the transistor MN29 of the OTA 210 receives a feedback of the reference signal V_(REF) and generates the tail current I_(TAIL210) flowing through the differential pair of transistors MN21 and MN22. The OTA 210 generates outputs I₂₁ and I₂₂ based on the transconductance of the OTA 210, which in turn is based on the aforementioned tail current I_(TAIL210).

In one example, the calibration circuit 200 may generate the reference signal V_(REF) based on a reference voltage V_(IN), which in turn is generated based on the based on a reference current (e.g., I_(P)). Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the calibration circuit 200 utilizes the resistor R_(b) to convert the current I_(P) (e.g., the reference current or the first reference current) to the voltage V_(IN) (e.g., the reference voltage), which is provided to the OTA 210 as an input voltage. The OTA 210 generates the outputs I₂₁ and I₂₂ based on the voltage V_(IN).

At 412, the reference voltage may be kept constant over the process or condition variations. Referring to FIG. 2 and the associated text, the current source 212 provides a current I_(P), and a voltage V_(IN) is generated based on the current I_(P) and the resistance of the resistor R_(b). The current I_(P) may be generated from, for example, a bandgap voltage (V_(bg)) supply located off chip from the calibration circuit 200. This example is provided for demonstration only, and the scope of the present disclosure is certainly not limited thereto. As is known in the art, the bandgap voltage V_(bg) is constant over PVT variations. In this example, the current I_(P) may be described as follows:

I _(P) =V _(bg) /R _(on-chip),

where the resistance R_(on-chip) is the on-chip portion of the resistance, including the resistor R_(b). Since the resistance of the resistor R_(b) is subject to PVT variations, the current I_(P) likewise varies over the PVT variations. The resistor R_(b) may be provided as a ratio of the total resistance R_(on-chip) (e.g., a portion thereof). Thus, the resistance of the resistor R_(b) may be expressed as:

R _(b) =K _(b) ×R _(on-chip),

where the K_(b) is a constant (e.g., a ratio of R_(b) to R_(on-chip)).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may be expressed as I_(P)×R_(b) or as follows (substituting the expression for I_(P) and R_(b) shown above):

V _(IN) =K _(b) ×V _(bg).

Accordingly, the voltage V_(IN) may remain constant over the PVT variations.

The process described in connections with flow chart 400 may be applied to a case where the at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated transconductance (e.g., step 304 provides that at least one differential circuit operates at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal).

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Further, some steps may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the steps may be implemented by circuits to perform the functions described herein and/or circuits generating the signals for the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal; and at least one differential circuit each being configured to operate at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to generate the reference signal independent of the at least one differential circuit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one differential circuit comprises a differential pair of transistors, and wherein each of the at least one differential circuit is further configured to generate a tail current for its respective differential pair of transistors based on the reference signal.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to feedback the reference signal and adjust the reference signal based on the feedback.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to generate the reference signal based on a first reference current and a second reference current.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the calibration circuit further comprises an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) configured to generate a tail current based on the feedback.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the calibration circuit further comprises a circuit configured to convert a reference current into a reference voltage, and wherein the OTA is further configured to generate an output based on the reference voltage.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to keep the reference voltage constant over the process or condition variations.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the calibration circuit further comprises an operational amplifier configured to compare a voltage based on the output of the OTA and a second reference voltage, wherein the calibration circuit is configured to generate the reference signal based on the comparison.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second reference voltage is based on a second reference current, and wherein the second reference current is constant over the process or condition variations.
 10. A method for operating at least one differential circuit, comprising: generating a reference signal; and operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated transconductance over process or condition variations based on the reference signal, wherein the reference signal is generated independently of the at least one differential circuit.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the at least one differential circuit comprises a differential pair of transistors, and wherein the at least one differential circuit is operated with a tail current through the differential pair of transistors based on the reference signal.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting the reference signal based on a feedback of the reference signal.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reference signal is generated based on a first reference current and a second reference current.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the reference signal is generated using an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) having a tail current based on the feedback.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating the reference signal further comprises: converting a reference current into a reference voltage, and generating an output by the OTA based on the reference voltage.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the generating the reference signal further comprises keeping the reference voltage constant over the process or condition variations.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the generating the reference signal further comprises comparing a voltage based on the output of the OTA and a second reference voltage, the reference signal being based on the comparison.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second reference voltage is based on a second reference current, and wherein the second reference current is constant over the process or condition variations.
 19. An apparatus, comprising: a calibration circuit configured to generate a reference signal; and at least one differential circuit each being configured to operate at a calibrated gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the calibration circuit is configured to generate the reference signal without receiving a feedback from the at least one differential circuit.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein each of the at least one differential circuit comprises a differential pair of transistors, and wherein each of the at least one differential circuit is further configured to generate a tail current for the differential pair of transistors based on the reference signal.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to feedback the reference signal and adjust the reference signal based on the feedback.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the calibration circuit is further configured to generate the reference signal based on a reference voltage and keep the reference voltage constant over the process or condition variations.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the reference voltage is based on a reference current, and the calibrated gain is proportional to the reference current.
 25. A method for operating at least one differential circuit, comprising: generating a reference signal; and operating the at least one differential circuit at a calibrated gain over process or condition variations based on the reference signal.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the reference signal is generated without receiving a feedback from the at least one differential circuit.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the at least one differential circuit comprises a differential pair of transistors, and wherein the at least one differential circuit is operated with a tail current through the differential pair of transistors based on the reference signal.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprising adjusting the reference signal based on a feedback of the reference signal.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the generating the reference signal is based on a reference voltage, further comprising keeping the reference voltage constant over the process or condition variations.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the reference voltage is based on a reference current, and the calibrated gain is proportional to the reference current. 